Oil Producing Communities Have Suffered Untold Hardship – Wike

Governor Nyesome Wike of Rivers state has said that oil producing communities in Nigeria have suffered untold hardship.

The Governor said this while speaking to members of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc committee on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Wike also urged the lawmakers to ensure that the bill sorts out critical issues so there will not be problem after it is passed.

He also revealed that the Niger-Delta environment has been polluted as a result of crude oil exploration operations.

Wike said “Our people have suffered so much. When people do not understand what we experience, they criticise needlessly. I don’t think you will take our challenges lightly. I think this bill will cure a lot of environmental challenges in the Niger Delta. I urge this committee to put into consideration our terrain as you conclude on this bill. With the experience of the chairman of this committee, I believe the committee will do an excellent job.”

The Niger-Delta region has been in focus recently, following threats by militant groups to commence bombing of pipelines.